Sunday Reflections

Today is the last day of our odyssey. Tomorrow will be spent flying 17 hours back to Houston.
It has been twenty-six packed days of learning more about literacy, visiting Australian and Auckland schools, learning about culture, history, and ways to protect the environment, and meeting friendly and helpful people from all over the world.

What do I bring back from this trip?

• learning strategies to help my lessons become more relevant and me a better teacher
• ways to conserve energy and the environment
• knowledge and appreciation of 2 countries' history and culture
• over 500 pictures
• hope to make the statement, "I'm not a reading teacher, but I teach reading," a reality at Kempner High School.
• gratitude to Mr. Mooney for informing us about the grant
• hope that my colleagues will apply for a grant next year
• gratitude to Fund for Teachers for allowing me to make this trip of a life time.
  
  
  

Saturday

Saturday was another jammed full day of spectacular sights. I didn't think anything could compare to the rainforest, but I hadn't visited Sydney's Opera House.

In the 1950's drawings were submitted for the opera house, and the construction on the building began in the 1960's. The foundation was actually poured before the plans were finalized. It was finished in 1973 and cost 95 million dollars more that allocated. The people of Sydney paid this off in 2 years through their lottery.

The beauty of this site cannot be described, and it still is a building of the future. It is the second most recognized building in the world. Sorry I don't know what the first building is.

The architect was a perfectionist down to the smallest detail. The beautiful roof tiles are self-cleaning. The materials that make the chairs absorb the sound so that no matter how many people there are in the audience it sounds like the theater is full of people. This was one of the most fascinating hours I have ever spent.

We rode a water taxis to view the harbor which included seeing Sydney's famous Harbor Bridge. We ended the day at one of Darling Harbor's seafood restaurant.

What I have learned from Australian schools

I have learned much from the literacy conference and visiting Australian schools.

• They have dedicated teachers who like their American counterparts are looking for relevant teaching strategies.
• They have less paper work than American teachers-only 4 reports and 2 of them are check lists.
• No numerical grades are given. Reports indicate what standard they have met and whether they met it proficient or advanced. Teachers write comments about students' work.
• Literacy teachers have more opportunities to make curriculum more creative and meaningful since there is no state adopted text.
• Students keep portfolios
• Greater variety of electives
• Writing and reading are more integrated into all of the curriculum
• Half way around the world teachers are still facing the same problems: motivation, relevancy, and test scores.
• Reading is a priority

Sydney

Friday we arrived in Sydney. What a change from the slow pace of Cairns! This is a 24 hour city. After settling in our hotel, we went exploring. Our hotel is located not too far from China town, so our first meal was at a Japanese-Korean restaurant. The food was great.

As I am sitting here writing this, I am in an Asian-run Internet cafe. It feels a little strange being the only American. Although Sydney is a bustling city, I feel safe. We ventured out last night and did not worry about our safety. This is something I would not do in Houston.

Later today we are planning to tour the harbor and explore more of Sydney.

This truly has been a trip of a life time. I have seen so many great places, met wonderful people, and learned more teaching strategies.

Will update blog tomorrow. Off to explore more of Sydney.

Sydney along the Waterfront

Sydney is a beautiful city. Comprised of many tall buildings, you could say its a vertical town, with the same population as Houston. Many buildings are along the waterfront like the ones pictured here at Darling Harbor. Janice and I took a water taxi across the Harbor to the Sydney Opera House. We were so very impressed with this magnificent structure. It took over a decade to build, and was the brainchild of Danish architect Jorn Utzen. He wanted the people to experience the building forgetting about the daily cares and worries. It is truly one of the most interesting sites I have had the pleasure to visit.

Cairns and Green Island

Green island is a 45 minute boat ride from Cairns. There we explored the coral island on a semi-submarine and glass bottom boat. We saw all types of coral and fish.

The day concluded with a trip to Tjapukai. There we learned more about native culture. First, we learned more about the didgeridoo. It takes anywhere from 30 to 40 hours to make. Also, we learned the history of the boomerang. Next, we were involved in a ceremony to create fire. The night concluded with an international buffet and native dancing.

We were able to see many amazing things while we were in Cairnes. We were on the go all of the time. Friday we headed for Sydney.

Cairns and the World Heritage Rainforest

Words cannot describe the beauty of the rainforest. Our day began with a train ride to Kuranda where we were treated to lunch and had time to view native crafts and handwork. Next, we saw native dancing. After a brief demonstration, we tried to throw a boomerang ourselves. There is an art to this. You throw it at 1 o'clock if your right handed and 11 o'clock if you are are left handed. Needless to say, animals would not have to worry about me killing them with a boomerang. Next, we learned how an aboriginal-musical instrument, the didgeridoo, is made and played.

We were treated to an army duck ride through the rainforest. The duck was developed during World War II and has a six wheel drive. The duck travels both on land and in water. It was awesome to be so close to nature. We were instructed to keep our arms in because some of the leaves were extremely poisonous.

For me, the highlight of the day was taking a cable car above the rainforest. At first, it was scary to be so far up in the air. All I can say is the views were amazing. We took many pictures that will be posted soon.